"After numerous unsuccessful attempts to address my son's adolescent acne using over-the-counter products, I was referred to Dr. Derick. After being advised on the range of treatment options available, we initially began my son's treatment with topicals and antibiotics. This approach resulted in some improvement, but unfortunately when the course of treatment was completed, the acne returned. I knew that Accutane was available as a next option, but I was apprehensive about potential side effects of the drug. Dr. Derick was extremely understanding about my concerns and spent considerable time explaining the risk factors and side effects. Dr. Derick's extensive experience with Accutane for treating patients with similar acne conditions,
together with her knowledge of the drug's effectiveness and risks,
played a very important role in our decision to start my son on a 5 month
Accutane (generic) treatment."
Read More Julie L.
Acne is a medical condition that affects men and women of all ages. Eighty five percent of people will report having acne during their lifetime. Acne takes on many forms, but in particular presents with comedones, which are white heads and black heads, pustules, cysts, and nodules. These lesions most typically affect the head, neck, chest, back, and arms.
Acne begins around puberty and can cause significant emotional distress if left untreated. The exact cause of acne is unknown; however, three key factors exist. The first is excess oil production, the second is a sticky skin surface trapping oil, and the third is bacteria, in particular P acnes. Acne tends to run in the family. That is, if your parents have had significant or scarring acne, you are more likely to have significant or scarring acne as well.
Hormones play a major role at puberty. The increase in testosterone stimulates oil production and acne formation. Many female patients report having flairs of acne around the time of their menstrual period, this can occur along the jaw line and around the mouth. Stress can also play a role in the formation of acne.
In general, there are some skin care tips that can be followed in order to decrease your likelihood of developing acne. First, wash your face twice a day. Secondly, do not scrub or use too much force when washing your face. Don’t use hot water. Wash your hair as often as possible and use non-comedogenic or oil-free skin care products. Don’t pick acne bumps when they come up. Most importantly, see a dermatologist if your acne doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments.
Your dermatologist can strategize with you about prescription products that may treat your acne. The treatments that a dermatologist will propose will depend on the type of acne and its location. The most common prescription topical treatments are topical antibiotics and retinoids. Common oral treatments for acne prescribed by your dermatologist include antibiotics, birth control pills, hormone therapy, and isotretinoin. One alternative treatment that your dermatologist might offer is a chemical peel. Salicylic acid chemical peels temporarily decrease the amount of oil that is produced by the skin, and also exfoliates the surface, allowing oil to escape. In addition to chemical peels, several laser and light treatments are used for the treatment of acne including the Pulse Dye Laser (V beam), Blue Light (Blu-U), Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and photodynamic therapy.
Teenagers in particular suffer emotionally from terrible acne. Today’s teenagers are lucky that so many viable treatments have been developed for acne. For treatment of acne, the FDA has approved a variety of topical and oral medications, and some of them are new. The best treatment for a teenager’s acne will depend on the severity and distribution (face, chest, back) of their acne. A board certified dermatologist can quickly diagnose a teenager’s specific acne problem and recommend an optimal treatment with a reasonably predictable time frame for improvement.
